Installation Manual
ParSec
Reader
Installation Manual - Issue:3 - December 1998 - Page 13
4.2. Adjusting the Read Range
The range at which Portable Asset and Personnel Tags is read by the reader is adjustable from
a maximum free space range of about 25m down to a about 10 cm. to suit the requirements of
the individual installation.
Notes
(1)
The nominal 75m long range reading of Static Asset Tags is not adjustable.
(2)
Tamper alarms, routine reports and low battery conditions are signalled by
Static and Portable Tags at high power (i.e. long range); the Personnel Tag
always signals at low power (short range).
The range of portable asset and personnel tags is adjusted by using the Range Adjusting Tag
(PS-RAT1-1)
4.2.1 Range Adjustment Procedure
1.
Power on the reader
2.
Press the Scan Reset button (S6) - the red power LED will flash
3.
Move to the position where you would like tags to be read and press and hold down
the FIND button on the PS-RAT1-1. Within about 10 seconds the reader will then
find the RAT and set the range. This will be signified by the tone sounder on the
reader operating and the left hand red LED flashing. You can now check the range by
pressing and holding down the SEEK button on the RAT. When the reader sees the
RAT it will operate the tone sounder.
4.
If you would like to make some minor adjustment to the range you can use the + & -
buttons. Press these keys momentarily and check the red LED on the reader flashes
each time. Note that very brief presses of less than 0.3 seconds will be ignored. It is
usually very helpful to monitor the reader receiver voltage level with a voltmeter on
the top and bottom pins of the Molex header (PL2) on the left hand side of the Logic
PCB. As you adjust the range you will see this voltage move up or down. At 5V it is
set to maximum range and at 0V it is set to minimum range.
5.
Use the SEEK button and check the range in different locations in the area where you
want tags to be read. In all except very large open areas or outdoors, you will find
blind spots and hot spots. This is caused by the radio signals from the tag being
reflected off walls, ceilings, furniture and people.
6.
Now check the range is correct by using 1 or 2 of the actual tag types you are going to
use in that location. Remember that portable asset tags mounted on metal e.g. laptop
PCs will have less range than in free space. Personnel tags will also have less range
when worn close to the body. Use the PS-RAT-1 + & - buttons to make adjustments.
It is well worth taking a little extra time and effort to check that the range and reading
area are satisfactory at this stage. Once you are satisfied with the reading range, press
and release S6 and this will store the range adjustment in the reader memory. The
power LED will now show a solid red. The range setting is stored in non-volatile
memory, so it will be retained even if the reader power is removed.
7.
If at any time you wish to alter the range, you can repeat the above procedure as many
times as you like.